Systems and methods for producing objects incorporating selectably active electromagnetic energy filtering layers and coatings

ABSTRACT

A system and method are provided for forming body structures including energy filters/shutter components, including energy/light directing/scattering layers that are actively electrically switchable. The filters or components are operable between at least a first mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the shutter components, appear substantially transparent when viewed from an energy/light incident side, and a second mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shutter components, appear opaque to the incident energy impinging on the energy incident side. The differing modes are selectable by electrically energizing, differentially energizing and/or de-energizing electric fields in a vicinity of the energy scattering layers, including electric fields generated between a pair of transparent electrodes sandwiching an energy scattering layer. Refractive indices of transparent particles, and the transparent matrices in which the particles are fixed, are tunable according to the applied electric fields.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/006,150, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,726,791 on Aug. 8, 2017, andwhich in turn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/147,573 entitled “Photovoltaic Cell and/or Photocell With LightScattering Layer” by Clark D. BOYD et al., filed on Apr. 14, 2015, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein intheir entirety. This application is also related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/006,143, entitled “Systems and Methods forProducing Laminates, Laminate Layers and Coatings Including Elements forScattering and Passing Selective Wavelengths of Electromagnetic Energy,”filed on Jan. 26, 2016, and which published as U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2016/0306078 A1 on Oct. 20, 2016; U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/006,145, entitled “Systems and Methods forProducing Objects Incorporating Selective Electromagnetic EnergyScattering Layers, Laminates and Coatings,” filed on Jan. 26, 2016, andwhich published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0306080A1 on Oct. 20, 2016; and Ser. No. 15/006,148, entitled “Systems andMethods for Implementing Selective Electromagnetic Energy FilteringObjects and Coatings Using Selectably Transmissive Energy ScatteringLayers,” filed on Jan. 26, 2016, and which issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,726,790 on Aug. 8, 2017 the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for formingelectrically-activated filter layers and shutter components includingenergy/light directing or scattering layers that are activelyelectrically switchable between a first mode in which the layers, andthus the presentation of the shutter component, appear substantiallytransparent (or translucent) to impinging energy when viewed from anenergy/light incident side and a second mode in which the layers, andthus the presentation of the shutter component, appear opaque to theimpinging energy when viewed from the energy/light incident side, byuniquely implementing energy/light directing/scattering techniques inenergy/light transmissive layers, and to objects, object portions, wallplates, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, orthat otherwise incorporate, such electrically-activated layers and/orshutter components.

2. Related Art

An ability to provide or promote selectable transmission ofelectromagnetic energy, including light in the visual or near-visualradiofrequency (RF) spectrum through layers, materials, screens,structures or structural components provide substantial benefit in anumber of real-world use cases and applications.

In the Background Section of the related 143 and 145 applicationsidentified above, certain of these real-world use cases and applicationsare discussed in detail. The different uses of windows, skylights andthe like, whether left transparent, or otherwise frosted, tinted ortreated in some manner, in allowing the interiors of structures to be“naturally” sunlit are examples. Modification of the transparentlighting capability of a particular window is useful to address certainconcerns including privacy and security, and to provide certain selectedaesthetics (in the use of, for example, stained-glass windows). It isrecognized that clear (transparent) windows may be usable in somescenarios, while surface, or internally, treated windows may be usablein other scenarios. In generally all techniques employed to modify theenergy/light transmissive properties of a particular window, or windowpane, whether formed of glass or other transparent material, it isrecognized that light passing through those windows, in eitherdirection, is generally affected by whatever treatment is applied on, orin, the individual glass or other material windows or window panessubstantially equally in both directions.

Window treatments are also provided that result in a substantiallyone-way mirror (also referred to in some instances as a two-way mirror).The one-way mirror panels are particularly formed to be partiallyreflective, and partially transparent, by tuning the optical propertiesof the panels to produce an optical “trick” based on differentiallighting between opposing surfaces of the mirror. It is noted that theintensity of the light has to be differential between the two sides ofthe one-way mirror because, in actuality, the light energy always passesthrough the mirror again substantially equally in both directions. Thus,the principle of operation is to keep one side brightly lit renderingthat side “difficult” to see through based on the principle that thereflected light masks visual penetration of the mirror from the brightlylit side. The very effect that is intended, in that a substantialportion of the incident light be reflected back from the “lighted” sideof the mirror, provides a substantially non-modifiable adversetransmissive property of the ambient light on the lighted side of thepanel through the panel. High-end vehicle window tinting accomplishesessentially the same effect in adding an inner or outer reflectivelayer. The configuration of the substantially darkened tinting is knownto adversely affect a light transmissive property, for example, whenobserved from an outside of the vehicle to an inside of the vehicle,which is necessarily darkened or shaded in a non-discriminant manner.

Recently, advertising schemes have emerged in which what is commerciallydescribed as a “View Through Vinyl” is applied to windows to providewhat, at first observation, appears to be opaque signage, often in theform of a particular advertisement, formed on office windows, on a buswindows, or on other like glass surface that is selected for ease ofapplication, and removal as necessary of the vinyl application. Thevinyl application can be effectively “viewed-through” from the non-imageside based on the applied vinyl film (generally having a printed imageside and an adhesive-bearing non-image side) being perforated withpinholes that may be preferably in a range of 1.5 mm in diametertypically in a 65/35 pattern in which 35% of the graphics on the printedside are removed to produce a fine mesh window covering. Such aperforation scheme leaves enough printed design on the observation sidethat the signage “appears” opaque, while removing enough of the vinylmaterial from the film to provide see-through visibility from thenon-printed or non-image side. These schemes are further limited bynecessarily requiring that particular dimensions of a window area to becovered are known, and the window area must be available for theview-through vinyl to be applied thereto.

Separately, there are certain manufactured fabrics that appear to beopaque to observation, but that allow for the transmission of particularwavelengths of electromagnetic energy, including visible light rays, ornear-visible light rays. Descriptions of such material and their usesare found in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,798 to Riedel (Issued May21, 1996) describing a composition of a particular material thattransmits sunlight, and to the swimwear and light-protective wear madefrom the material, and in U.K. Patent Application Publication No. 2 461488 to Lanham-New (Published Mar. 8, 2011) directed to articles ofheadwear formed of a material that appears substantially opaque asobserved, but the transmits sunlight in an effort to reduce, forexample, a vitamin D deficiency in the wearer.

Remote sensors for discerning all manner of environmental factors and/oractivities in a particularly-monitored area through the collection andanalysis of electromagnetic energy elements present in theparticularly-monitored area continue to gain broader proliferation andacceptance as new and unique employment scenarios emerge. In the fieldsof area observation, surveillance and monitoring, still and videocameras, and all manner of visual light, and near-visual light, reactivesensors are often employed. Depending on the nature of the areaobservation, surveillance or monitoring, it may be preferable to concealor camouflage the presence of a particular camera or otherelectromagnetic energy sensor in order that a presence of the camera orother sensor goes largely undetected to casual observers or intruders inthe monitored areas. Other considerations include that it may simply bepreferable to unobtrusively embed the cameras or sensors in a particularstructure in a manner that does not adversely affect the aesthetics ofthe structure. A difficulty is that conventional attempts to conceal,camouflage or otherwise hide the lenses of the cameras, or the image orother energy receivers of the sensors, generally indiscriminately and/ordisadvantageously modify the characteristics of the visual, ornear-visual, light passing through the concealment to the cameras orsensors devices, this modification of the characteristics of the energypassing through the layer can, and generally does, adversely affecttheir operation in a concealed operational employment scenario.

In the field of energy collection, and energy harvesting, photovoltaiccells, or other photocells, are often advantageously employed on or in aparticular structure to convert ambient light to electricity. Theefficiency of a particular photocell is affected by its capacity toabsorb, and/or to minimize reflectance of, incident light upon thesurface of the photocell. For this reason, photocells are generallyformed to have dark, normally black or dark grey, exposed light-facingor light-incident (“facial”) surfaces. Maximum efficiency is achievedwhen the dark facial surface is exposed to unfiltered light in thevisible, or near-visible, spectrum. It is for this reason that, invirtually all conventional installations, the photocells are mountedunmodified on an external surface of a structure either (1) fullyexposed, or (2) exposed behind a clear glass, clear plastic or similarclear (transparent) protective outer structural layer that transmits thevisual, or near-visual light, in a month modified matter, to the facialsurfaces of the photocells. A significant drawback to the widerproliferation of photocells used in a number of potentially beneficialoperating or employment scenarios is that such “required” installations,in many instances, adversely affects the aesthetics of the structure orobject on which the photocells are to be mounted for use. Presence ofphotocells in a particular installation is, therefore, easily visuallydistinguishable. For this reason alone, inclusion of photocells inparticular installations, or in association with certain structures,objects or products is often avoided. Manufacturers generally make thesedecisions based on the photocells, when installed, becoming visualdetractors or distractors to the appearance or ornamental design of thestructures, objects or products on which photocells may be otherwiseadvantageously applied and employed.

The last several decades have seen an explosion in the proliferation ofelectronic visual display components of every shape and size to provideinformation display, enhanced entertainment, changeable signage and thelike. As technology has advanced, particularly in an in-home orin-office operating environment, much effort has been put towardattempting to render display components, even as they become moreubiquitous, less obtrusive. Television and other in-home entertainmentdisplay components, as an example, even as bulky CRT display units havebeen substantially replaced by flat screen display units, are often“hidden” in cabinets, or sometimes camouflaged behind smoke-glassfaçades.

SUMMARY

The above discussion provides a non-limiting list of examples of anumber of real-world use cases in which differing technologies forproviding surface treatments and coverings that, in particularcircumstances, effectively “trick” the human eye into seeing aparticular presentation from a viewing, observation or light incidentside while providing some graduated level of filtered transmission ofvisual light, or near-visual light, through the surface treatments andcoverings in a manner that allows certain, but not all, of the RF energyto penetrate the surface treatments and coverings. Although the abovediscussion is centered on visual optics, the principles according tothis disclosure may be equally applicable to filtering of wavelengthselectromagnetic energy lying outside the visual spectrum. To date,however, the particular implementations discussed above, and other likeimplementations, are all constrained in their ability to be more-broadlyadapted to a far greater range of use cases based on their inherentlimitations, the particular manufacturing processes by which objectsincluding these particularized capabilities are formed, and certainattendant drawbacks in their use, particularly with regard to the mannerin which the electromagnetic energy, including light in the visible andnear-visible spectrum is limited, filtered, occluded or otherwisemodified as it passes from an energy- or light-incident side to anopposite side of the particular structure, structural componentstructural outer layer.

In view of the above-identified limitations with regard to theapplications of known aesthetics and similar energy and/or lightingcontrol applications, particularly in implementation of selective energytransmissive schemes, techniques and/or materials, it would beadvantageous to develop an advanced switchable façade or coating thatwould, according to an active selection, be switchable between asubstantially transparent mode and a mode in which at least an energy-or light-incident side appears opaque to selectable impingingwavelengths of electromagnetic energy.

It would be further advantageous to format a perceptible color, texture,image presentation of an apparent opaque light-incident side in a mannerthat would be adaptable to blend aesthetically with the presentation ofa surrounding structure.

Exemplary embodiments and systems and methods according to thisdisclosure may provide an electrically-switchable energy-filteringand/or shutter component with at least two separately-selectableoperating modes. In embodiments, in a first operating mode, theelectrically-switchable energy-filtering and/or shutter component may beconfigured to be substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy orlight passing through the component in either direction. In embodiments,in a second operating mode, the electrically-switchable energy-filteringand/or shutter component may be configured to appear opaque from anouter, viewing, observation or energy/light-incident side, and tootherwise provide a substantially unfiltered energy/light transmissiveproperty rendering the energy-filtering and/or shutter componentsubstantially energy and/or light transparent, as viewed from anopposite or non-energy/light-incident side.

Exemplary embodiments may provide techniques, processes and schemes bywhich to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or moreelectrically-switchable energy-scattering layers or shutter componentsinto objects, object portions, wall plates, structural layers, lenses,filters, screens or the like in one or more of solid objects and/ormanufactured systems or components of systems that are formed ormanufactured to myriad beneficial purposes.

Exemplary embodiments may form individual laminates, coatings, films orstructures in which an appearance is altered by varying an electricpotential applied across the laminates, coatings, films or structures,including by modifying an electric potential applied to electrodes inthe laminates, coatings, films or structures, all of which are examplesof the disclosed electrically-switchable filtering or shuttercomponents. In embodiment, an objective of such switchable layers orcomponents may be to allow the appearance of the area behind thelaminate, coating, film or structure to be masked by a wide range ofchosen colors, textures and/or designs, while enhancing an appearance ofan area where the laminates, coatings, films or structures are applied,positioned or placed, and allowing the transmission of substantially allwavelengths of electromagnetic energy, including energy in the visiblelight or near-visible light spectrum, into the area behind the laminate,coating, film or structure.

Exemplary embodiments may provide a means by which to switchably adjusta visual appearance of a surface and to allow light to pass through thesurface to an area behind the surface. In embodiments, the particularstructure of an energy/light scattering layer may be provided thatallows the visual appearance of a covered area, implement, display orstructure to be masked, such that the covered area, implement, displayor structure may appear to an observer on an energy/light incident sideof the energy/light scattering layer to appear as a predetermined color,color pattern, texture or image.

In embodiments, an electrically-switchable energy/light directing layermay be provided that, in use, covers an area of interest. Theenergy/light directing layer may scatter at least a portion of theimpinging energy/light spectrum back to an observer, so that a coveredarea may give the appearance of having a particular color, colorpattern, texture or image. The portion of the energy/light spectrumscattered back to the observer may be adjustable by an application of anelectric potential through the energy/light directing layer, includingby applying a voltage to substantially transparent electrodes locatedproximal to the laminate, coating, film or structure incorporating suchan energy/light directing layer.

In embodiments, a laminate, coating film, or structure may include anoperative layer (alternatively referred to as a light directing layer, alight scattering layer or a light transmissive layer) that is formed ofmicrometer or sub-micrometer particles (which may be in the form ofspheres), including micro-particles and nano-particles, and interstitialvoids, including micro/nano voids (as produced by micro-spheres or anevaporation process), or a combination of particles, micro-particles,nano-particles, and/or micro/nano voids, depending on a color, textureimage desired and certain other implementing technical factors. Inembodiments, the micrometer or subject-micrometer particles may be in arange of 25 microns or less in diameter and may be comprised of anelectro-optical material with an index of refraction that is capable ofchanging values according to an electric field being sensed, applied,changed or removed.

In embodiments, disclosed energy filtering and/or shutter components maybe incorporated into various structures and/or products, allowing forthe inclusion of myriad embedded displays, sensor components, imagingdevices, photoelectric generators/photocells and the like, withoutdetracting from the visual appearance, or aesthetic nature, of thestructures or products.

In embodiments, an actively electrically-switchable energy filtering orshutter component including an energy/light directing layer may beemployed to completely mask portions of a structure or product, up toand including over an entire (100% coverage) of a surface area of thestructure or product, in order that any embedded components may not bevisually discernible when observed from an energy/light-incident sideand may go completely unnoticed by an observer observing the structureor product from the energy/light-incident side.

In embodiments, the energy/light directing layer may be switchablebetween a masking mode and a substantially transparent mode.

In embodiments, energy/light transmission may be accomplished on a widevariety of surfaces, while being completely masked or camouflaged. As anon-limiting example, a roof of a residential home may be provided withswitchable skylights that, in one operating mode, maintain an appearanceof a typical shingled roof, i.e., in an opaque presentation thatsubstantially matches the color and texture of the surroundingsshingles. Separately, a portion of a wall may be configured to includeenergy/light transmitting panels, while having an appearance of apainted surface, textured surface, or even imaged as artwork.

In particular embodiments, an amount of energy/light transmission may beadjusted. In the same or other embodiments, color may also be adjustedwhen a material system incorporating the disclosedelectrically-switchable energy filtering or shutter component isdesigned for such a light-changing, or appearance-changing function.

In embodiments, because the energy/light transmissive layers arecomprised of substantially-transparent components, there is virtually norestriction on a particular environment, or to a particular use, inwhich the electrically-switchable energy-filtering or shutter componentsincluding such layers, and/or objects formed of, or with, suchenergy-filtering or shutter components, may be operatively deployed foruse.

In embodiments, the micrometer or sub-micrometer particles (or spheres),including micro-particles and/or nano-particles, may be comprised of,for example, barium titanate (BaTiO₄) and strontium titanate (SrTiO₄) inorder to take advantage of an adjustably high index of refraction.

In embodiments, refractive indices of all or portions of disclosedenergy directing or energy scattering layers may be particularly tunedaccording to sizes of the micrometer and sub-micrometer spheres,compositions of materials from which the micrometer and sub-micrometerspheres may be formed (including in a layered manner), compositions ofmaterials forming matrices in which the micrometer and sub-micrometerspheres are dispersed and fixed, and sizes of interstitial spaces(voids) provided between micrometer and sub-micrometer spheres in orthrough the matrix materials.

Exemplary embodiments may provide electrically-switchable energyfiltering or shutter components comprising energy/light scatteringlayers as constituent components thereof, that may be incorporated intosolid object body structures, hollow object body structures or otherwiseas object outer layers in which the energy/light scattering layers allowwavelengths of incident energy/light to pass through the energy/lightscattering layers, while scattering determined wavelengths of theincident energy/light to produce a desired visual appearance in theenergy/light scattering layer when viewed from a viewing, observation orenergy/light-incident side in a shutter-active (non-energy-filtering) orshutter-closed (energy-filtering) mode of operation.

In embodiments, the energy/light scattering layers incorporated into theenergy filtering or shutter components may be formed, orelectrically-manipulated, in a manner that scatters a same wavelength oflight across an entirety of the particular energy/light scattering layerwhether included for full coverage of an outer surface of an object oronly at discrete portions of an outer surface of an object. In suchembodiments, sphere or particle sizes, and material compositions of thespheres or particles, and the matrix within which the spheres orparticles are fixed, may be substantially homogenous across an expanseof the energy/light scattering layers and subject to activation by anon-varying electric field.

In embodiments, the energy/light scattering layers incorporated into theenergy filtering or shutter components may be formed, orelectrically-manipulated, in a manner that scatters determinedwavelengths of the incident energy/light within discrete areas of theenergy/light scattering layer in order that, rather thanreflecting/scattering a single color, the energy/light scattering layermay reflect/scatter multiple colors, and even patterned, texturized,and/or multi-color images. In such embodiments, differing refractiveindices are presented across an expanse of the energy/light scatteringlayer by varying sphere or particle sizes, and/or material compositionsof the spheres and/or particles and the matrix within which the spheresand/or particles are fixed. In other words, a composition of the lightscattering layer will be substantially non-homogenous. In theseembodiments, varying electric fields across an expanse of theenergy/light scattering layers may also induce differing/multiple colorsand/or textures in the surface presentations.

In embodiments, the energy/light scattering layers incorporated into theenergy filtering or shutter components may be formed usingsubstantially-transparent metal nanoparticles embedded in dielectricmatrices.

Exemplary embodiments may form energy filtering or shutter componentsfor inclusion in solid object body structures, or object outer layers,that may be used to facilitate transmissivity of light in one directionin order to promote lighting of an area shaded by structures otherwiseformed of conventional materials. By way of non-limiting example, thesenormally-shaded areas may include the volume of area underlying anelevated porch, or other like normally disadvantageously shaded area.

Exemplary embodiments may form energy filtering or shutter componentsfor inclusion in solid object body structures, or object outer layers,that may house or cover all manner of light-activated, light-absorbing,light-employing, or otherwise operationally light-involved sensorsincluding, but not limited to, cameras, lights sensors, photovoltaiccells/photocells and the like.

Exemplary embodiments may provide objects formed of, or including as anouter layer, at least one electrically-switchable energy filtering orshutter component incorporating a surface energy/light scattering layerthat allows, in cases, the visual appearance of embedded components,including electronic data or digital display components, to be maskedbehind an object surface that can appear to an observer to have apredetermined surface color or a predetermined surface color pattern, orto be comprised of a predetermined surface image, which is thenswitchable to be completely transparent and not obscure viewing of theelectronic data or digital display component, when in use.

Exemplary embodiments may form wall plates of typical residential and/orcommercial configuration as solid object body structures includingactive energy filtering or shutter components with selectableenergy/light scattering layers for covering typical electrical switches,outlets and other residential and commercial installations. Inembodiments, underlying switch boxes and/or outlet boxes may beconfigured to include energy- and/or light-activated sensors, devices,power generation components or the like. Provision of a wall plateaccording to the disclosed embodiments may facilitate energytransmission through the wall plate, having an opaque appearance, to theunderlying sensors, devices or components. In embodiments, such sensors,devices or components maybe affixed to the box side (non-light-incidentside) of the wall plates. In embodiments, there may be provided anenergy crossover or interchange unit for applying a constant or variableelectric field to activate energy/light scattering layer betweenselectable modes of operation.

These and other features, and advantages, of the disclosed systems andmethods are described in, or apparent from, the following detaileddescription of various exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods forforming electrically-activated energy filter layers and/or shuttercomponents including energy/light directing/scattering layers that areactively electrically switchable between a first mode in which thelayers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shuttercomponents, appear substantially transparent (or translucent) toimpinging energy when viewed from an energy/light incident side and asecond mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energyfilters or shutter components, appear opaque to the impinging energywhen viewed from the energy/light incident side, by uniquelyimplementing energy/light directing/scattering techniques in theenergy/light transmissive layers, and to objects, object portions, wallplates, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, orthat otherwise incorporate, such electrically-activated energy filterlayers and/or shutter components, will be described, in detail, withreference to the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary physicalbody component including an electrically-switchable energy/lightscattering layer disposed on a transparent portion of a 3D bodystructure operating in (1) a transparent first operating mode (see FIG.1A), and (2) an opaque second operating mode (see FIG. 1B) (depending oninfluence applied by an external electrical field), according to thisdisclosure;

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplaryelectrically-activated energy filtering layer or shutter componentincluding an electrically-switchable energy/light scattering layerdisposed on a transparent portion of a 3D body structure operating in(1) a transparent first operating mode (see FIG. 1C), and (2) an opaquesecond operating mode (see FIG. 1D), according to this disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplaryelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component disposed infront of the display surface of a display component for operativelyhiding or exposing the display component in use according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplaryelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component disposed infront of a selection of image collection and/or sensor array devices foroperatively hiding or exposing the devices in use according to thisdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary control system forcontrolling at least one of electronic data display andelectrical/electronic/image signal receiving and processing incoordination with operation of an electrically-switchable energy filteror shutter component according to this disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate exemplary depictions of an opaque sidepresentation of an electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent including an energy/light scattering layer according to thisdisclosure viewed in plan form from a viewing, observation orenergy/light-incident side;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a detail of anenergy/light scattering layer usable in structuring anelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component according tothis disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary detail of amulti-layer individual micrometer or sub-micrometer sphere usable informing an energy/light scattering layer as a portion of anelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component according tothis disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for preparationand employment of an electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent according to this disclosure; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary wall plate thatincorporates at least discrete portions formed as electrically-activatedenergy filter layers and/or shutter components including switchableenergy/light scattering layers according to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The systems and methods according to this disclosure include techniquesfor forming electrically-activated filter layers and/or shuttercomponents including energy/light directing/scattering layers that areactively electrically switchable between a first mode in which thelayers, and thus the presentation of the energy filters or shuttercomponents, appear substantially transparent (or translucent) toimpinging energy when viewed from an energy/light incident side and asecond mode in which the layers, and thus the presentation of the energyfilters or shutter components, appear opaque when viewed from theenergy/light incident side. The disclosed energy/lightdirecting/scattering layers may be particularly formed to selectivelyscatter particular wavelengths of impinging electromagnetic energy,including light energy in the visual, near-visual or non-visual ranges,while allowing remaining wavelengths of the impinging energy to passtherethrough when operating in the second mode. These layers mayuniquely employ energy/light directing/scattering techniques in theenergy/light transmissive layers. The disclosed systems and methods mayfurther include techniques for forming objects, object portions, wallplates, lenses, filters, screens and the like that may be entirelyformed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such energy filter or shuttercomponents. Descriptions of the disclosed systems and methods will referto a range of real world use cases and applications for suchelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter components.

Exemplary embodiments described and depicted in this disclosure shouldnot be interpreted as being specifically limited to any particularconfiguration of a structure, object, object portion, article ofmanufacture or component section thereof, that may beneficially includesuch an energy filter or shutter component. The disclosed embodimentsshould also not be interpreted as being limited to any particularindividual materials for forming the described light scattering, lightdirecting or light transmissive layers, as active operating portions ofthe disclosed shutter components. This includes, but is not limited to,any particular composition of the substantially-transparent micrometeror sub-micrometer spheres, including micro-particles and/ornano-particles, and any interstitial voids including nano-voidsestablished between such micrometer or sub-micrometer spheres, or to anyparticular composition of a transparent matrix material in which thespheres or particles may be set or fixed in any layer forming process.

Reference will be made to the employment of the disclosed exemplaryenergy filter or shutter components to a number of real world beneficialpurposes. The discussion of any particular use case for application ofthe disclosed schemes should not be considered as limiting the disclosedsubject matter to employment with any particular class of electricalcomponent, electrical circuit, electronic data display devices, or anyparticular type of image receiving or energy/light collecting sensorcomponents. Any electrical component installation or electronic datadisplay device, image receiving device, or other energy/light collectingsensor component may be operationally mounted, installed or placedbehind the disclosed energy filter or shutter components in use so as tobe selectively hidden from view when an object or structure includingany such energy filter or shutter component hiding the electricalcircuit components, display devices or sensor elements when operating inan opaque mode is viewed from a viewing, observation or energy/lightincident outer surface of the object or structure, including, forexample, a standard wall plate. It should be recognized that anyadvantageous use of the disclosed schemes for employingelectrically-switchable energy filters or shutter components accordingto the described embodiments to effect an aesthetically consistent, oraesthetically pleasing, or aesthetically changeable outward appearanceof the object or structure while allowing visible, or near-visible,energy/light components to pass through employing systems, methods,techniques, processes and/or schemes such as those discussed in detailin this disclosure is contemplated as being included within the scope ofthe disclosed exemplary systems and methods. In this regard, thedisclosed systems and methods will be described as being particularlyadaptable to hiding certain electronic data display components toprovide an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance when suchelectronic data display components are not in use as aneasily-understandable and non-limiting example of a particularlyadvantageous use of the disclosed electrically-switchable energy filtersor shutter components.

In embodiments of the systems and methods according to this disclosure,unique and advantageous energy/light directing/scattering layers scattera small portion of an impinging energy, including light in a visual ornear visual spectrum, back in a direction of an observer on a viewing,observation or energy/light incident side of the energy/lightdirecting/scattering layer that is at least a portion of anelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component whenoperating in an opaque presentation mode. In this manner, a particularsurface of the energy filter or shutter component including theenergy/light directing/scattering layer may appear to have a particularcolor in the visual spectrum, while a substantial portion of the lightor other energy permissibly passes through the thin energy/lightdirecting/scattering layer impinging on an area behind the energy filteror shutter component or on an operative surface of any underlyingenergy/light collecting sensor component.

General reference throughout this disclosure will be made to particularuse cases in which light scattering effects may be usable to render theenergy filters or surfaces of electrically-activated orelectrically-switchable shutter-type components visually opaque whenoperated in the second mode. These references are not intended toexclude energy scattering and other portions of the electromagneticspectrum to which certain energy scattering layers may be made to appearopaque to particular wavelengths of non-visible radiation. Nor are thesereferences intended to imply that the energy scattering surface berendered 100% opaque in all “second mode” operating scenarios.

Reference to any particularly useful compositions of the materials fromwhich the disclosed micrometer or sub-micrometer spheres, preferably ina range of 25 microns or less, including micro-particles and/ornano-particles, may be formed are also descriptive only of broad classesof input materials that may be presentable in generally transparent, orseemingly transparent, micrometer or sub-micrometer sphere,micro-particle and/or nano-particle form. Suitable materials for suchmicrometer or sub-micrometer spheres, micro-particles and/ornano-particles may be discussed specifically according to theircomposition, or may be more broadly referred to by certain functionalparameters, neither of which should be considered to limit the broadscope of available input materials of which such micrometer orsub-micrometer spheres, micro-particles and/or nano-particles may beformed. Additionally, typical dielectric matrices in which suchsub-micrometer spheres may be stabilized will be described. Again here,any reference to a particular transparent dielectric material to promotethe stabilization of particular sub-micrometer spheres in layer form areintended to be illustrative and non-limiting.

Exemplary embodiments may advantageously employ anelectrically-switchable energy/light directing, light reflecting and/orlight scattering layer that covers at least a portion of an outersurface of a particular 3D structure or object, including such 3D objectas may be formed in any molding, machining, or AM object formingprocess. The energy/light directing, light reflecting and/or lightscattering layer may be usable to scatter at least a portion of theimpinging energy and/or light spectrum back to an observer. In a case inwhich visible light, for example, is scattered back to the observer, theobject may give an appearance of having a particular color, or aparticular pattern, or including a particular image on an outer surfaceof the finished object when the electrically-switchable light directing,light reflecting and/or light scattering layer is activated to provide aparticular opaque appearance. Any one of a broad array of apparentchosen colors, textures or images may be presented to an observer from aviewing, observation or energy/light-incident side of the object.

Apparent colors, patterns or images of the energy/light scatteringlayers may be produced by adjusting refractive indices of thesubstantially-transparent particles according to a size of theparticles, a material composition of the particles, a physical (layered)composition of the particles, a composition of asubstantially-transparent matrix material in which the particles may befixed, a presence and size of interstitial voids between the particles,a multiplicity of individual particles/matrix layers, or any combinationof the above. Apparent solid colors may be produced by presenting asubstantially-homogenous combination of the above parameters across alight incident surface of the energy/light scattering layer. Patternsmay be produced by appropriately varying the adjustment of therefractive indices by manipulating one or more of the above parametersacross the energy/light incident surface of the energy/light scatteringlayer. Further, apparent colors, patterns or images may be similarlyproduced by adjusting parameters of an electric field to which theenergy/light scattering layer may be subjected. Again here, theenergy/light scattering layer may be activated by a substantiallyconsistent electric field across a surface of the energy/lightscattering layer to produce an apparent solid color. Patterns may beproduced by appropriately varying the electric field to which theenergy/light scattering layer is subjected across the energy/lightincident surface of the energy/light scattering layer.

In embodiments, virtually any object surface may be modified with theinclusion of the disclosed energy filter or shutter components, orshutter component layers, to completely mask or camouflage areas,objects, devices, sensors or the like placed behind such shuttercomponent or shutter component layer. A roof of a structure, forexample, including a commercial building or a residential home, could becovered by photocells, but still have an appearance of a typicalshingled, metal, tarred or other surface-treated roof. Separately, aportion of a wall of a structure, internal or external, could beembedded with photocells while maintaining an appearance of a paintedsurface, a textured surface, or even a particularly chosen piece ofartwork. Vehicles, including automobiles and/or buses, may be providedelectrically-switchable light-exposing panels on various outer surfacesso as to render the affected surfaces as appearing to consist of nothingmore than normal, painted surfaces when the electrically-switchableenergy/light-exposing panels may be operated in an opaque display mode.

Outer surface layers of structures, vehicles or objects may incorporatea plurality of different sensors that are masked or camouflaged so as tobe visibly undetectable, or in a manner that is aesthetically correct,pleasing or required according to restrictions in an operatingenvironment or use case. In this regard, a required or desiredappearance of an outer layer of a structure or structural component maybe preserved in, for example, renovation of a structure which is subjectto historic preservation or other outward appearance (or ofappearance-modifying) restrictions, while providing advantageous use ofa light transmissive property of an object or object surface layer, anda switchable capacity to turn the aesthetically consistent panel into atransparent panel upon activation, to promote illumination of an areabehind, beyond, under, or around the object or object surface thatmaintains the outward required or desired appearance.

Windows and/or skylights may be maintained in a generally lighttransparent, or light translucent, condition. When required, however,activation of the energy/light transmissive, light scattering and/orlight directing layer may cause the windows and/or skylights to beshaded or even blocked out (in whole or in part).

Structures, solid object bodies, hollow object bodies, or object surfacelayers may be produced that are colorizable or visually texturizablewithout the use of pigments, paints, inks or other surface treatmentsthat merely absorb certain wavelengths of light. The disclosedenergy/light scattering layers allow determined visible, near-visible ornon-visible wavelengths of energy/light to pass through the layerssubstantially unimpeded, while scattering other determined visible,near-visible or non-visible wavelengths of energy/light thus, in thecase of visible light scattering, for example, producing a colorizedlook to the surface of the objects that include or incorporate theenergy/light scattering layers.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate schematic diagrams of an exemplary physicalbody component 100 including an electrically-switchable energy/lightscattering layer 110 disposed on a transparent portion 120 of a 3D bodystructure operating in (1) a transparent first operating mode (see FIG.1A), and (2) an opaque second operating mode (see FIG. 1B) (depending oninfluence applied by an external electric field 140), according to thisdisclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the exemplary energy/lightscattering layer 110 may be comprised of a substantially homogeneouscomposition of micrometer or sub-micrometer spheres and matrix materialsthat may be separately operated on by components of an electric field140 to turn the transparent surface shown in FIG. 1A to theenergy/light-scattering (energy/light opaque appearing) surfaceconfiguration shown in FIG. 1B. In embodiments, the exemplaryenergy/light scattering layer 110 may be comprised of a plurality ofindividually-discrete (non-homogeneous) portions, each of theindividually-discrete portions being caused to react or responddifferently to the applied electrical field 140.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate schematic diagrams 150 of an exemplaryelectrically-activated energy filtering layer or shutter component 160including an electrically-switchable light scattering layer 162 disposedon a transparent portion of a 3D body structure 170 operating in (1) atransparent first operating mode (see FIG. 1C), and (2) an opaque secondoperating mode (see FIG. 1D), according to this disclosure. As shown inFIGS. 1C and 1D, the exemplary shutter component 160 may be comprisedessentially of an energy/light scattering layer 162 that may beassociated with one or more transparent electrodes including beingsandwiched between sandwiched between at least one pair of transparentelectrodes 114,116. For ease of depiction, the exemplary energy filteror shutter component 160 is shown as being comprised of a singleenergy/light scattering layer 162 sandwiched between one pair oftransparent electrodes 164,166. In embodiments, it should be recognizedthat the energy/light scattering layer 162 may be comprised of aplurality of individually-discrete (non-homogeneous) portions, eachindividually-discrete portion being caused to react differently tovoltages applied between a single pair of transparent electrodes164,166, or otherwise having a discrete pair ofindependently-controllable transparent electrode portions associatedwith the each individually-discrete portion. Separately, theenergy/light scattering layer 162 may be of a substantially homogeneouscomposition of micrometer or sub-micrometer spheres and matrix materialshaving a plurality of discrete pairs of independently-controllabletransparent electrodes or electrode portions associated with theenergy/light scattering layer 162. Embodiments may include thesubstantially homogenous composition to energy/light scattering layer162, one of the pair of transparent electrodes 164,166 having asubstantially unitary construction, and the other of the pair oftransparent electrodes 164,166 being comprised of a plurality ofindependently-controllable transparent electrode portions.

Embodiments may include one or more of the pair of transparentelectrodes 164,166 having etched portions in which valleys are cut intosurfaces of the electrodes facing the energy/light scattering layer 162,or raised portions in which buildups are applied to surfaces of theelectrodes 164,166 facing the energy/light scattering layer 162. Suchetched portions or raised portions may cause a potential between theelectrodes 164,166 having such features to cause a locally differentelectrical field component, acting differently on the energy/lightscattering layer 162 to cause a locally different refractive index to bedisplayed. In this manner, the energy/light scattering layer 162 maydisplay different colors or images according to the etched portions orraised portions.

A transparent protective layer 168 may be disposed on an outer surfaceof at least one of the pair of transparent electrodes 164,166.

In the transparent first operating mode shown in FIG. 1A, no electricfield 140 may be applied, thereby allowing all of the ambient light, orlight directed from a light source 130, impinging on an energy/lightincident surface of the energy/light scattering layer 110 to passthrough at least a portion of the energy/light scattering layer 110essentially unimpeded and unfiltered as though penetrating a transparentpiece of glass.

In the transparent first operating mode shown in FIG. 1C, each pair oftransparent electrodes 164,166 may be energized, differentiallyenergized, or de-energized, based on signals from a shutter componentcontroller and power supply 190, in a manner that renders theenergy/light scattering layer 162, at least in the portion associatedwith the each pair of electrodes 164,166 (discrete electrodes orelectrode portions) substantially transparent. In such a condition allof the ambient light, or light directed from a light source 180,impinging on an energy/light incident side electrode 114 (discreteelectrode or electrode portion), may pass through at least a portion ofthe energy/light scattering 162, and the pair of transparent electrodes164,166, essentially unimpeded and unfiltered as though penetrating atransparent piece of glass.

In the opaque second operating mode shown in FIG. 1B, an electric field140 may be applied to at least portions of the energy/light scatteringlayer 110 to cause the energy/light scattering layer 110 to allow firstdetermined wavelengths of light, WLp, to pass through the energy/lightscattering layer 110 in portions upon which the electric field 140 acts.The configuration of the energy/light scattering layer 110simultaneously causes certain second determined wavelengths of light,WLs, impinging on the energized portion of the energy/light scatteringlayer 110 to be scattered back in an incident direction substantially asshown.

In the opaque second operating mode shown in FIG. 1D, each pair oftransparent electrodes 164,166 may be energized, differentiallyenergized, or de-energized, based on signals from the shutter componentcontroller and power supply 190, in a manner that renders theenergy/light scattering layer 162 (or any individually controlleddiscrete portion thereof) substantially opaque. Here, as energized, theenergy/light scattering layer 162 is configured to allow firstdetermined wavelengths of light, WLp, to pass through the energy/lightscattering layer 162 in the energized portion. The configuration of theenergy/light scattering layer 162 simultaneously causes certain seconddetermined wavelengths of light, WLs, impinging on the energized portionof the energy/light scattering layer 162 to be scattered back in anincident direction substantially as shown.

As is noted above, and as will be described in greater detail below, theenergy/light scattering layers 110,162 may be configured ofsubstantially-transparent particles in a form of micrometer orsub-micrometer spheres, having particle diameters of 24 microns or lessand including micro-particles or nano-particles, and interstitial voids,which may include nano voids, between the substantially-transparentparticles. The substantially-transparent particles may be stabilized instructural or other layers further comprised ofsubstantially-transparent dielectric materials, is a unitary layer or indiscrete layer portions. An ability to configure thesubstantially-transparent particles in the opposing electrode structureof the shutter component 160 may provide a capacity to selectively“tune” the energy/light scattering surface of the energy/lightscattering layer 162, overall, or in discrete portions, to scatterparticular second determined wavelengths of light, WLs, to produce adesired visual appearance in a single color, multiple colors, or animage-wise visual presentation provided by the energy/light scatteringlayer 162 as activated by one or more opposing pairs of transparentelectrodes 164,166. Put another way, depending on a particularcomposition of the components comprising the energy/light scatteringlayer 162, and the selective energy input to the energy/light scatteringlayer 162 by the pair of transparent electrodes 164,166, across theentire surface of the energy/light scattering layer 162, or in discreteportions thereof, one or more colors, textures, color patterns, orcolor-patterned images may be visually produced by the energy/lightscattering layer 162 of the exemplary energy filter or shutter component160 in the opaque second operating mode.

A voltage, or voltage differential, passing between the (or each) pairof transparent electrodes 164,166, as controlled by the shuttercomponent controller and power supply 190, may be adjusted to cause achange in an index of refraction of the particles comprising theenergy/light scattering layer 162, the binder material fixing theparticles in the light scattering layer 162, or both of the particlesand the binder material making up the energy/light scattering layer 162,or any discrete and separately energized and/or controlled portionthereof. The (or each) pair of transparent electrodes 164,166 iselectrically-conductive, yet thin enough to allow for transmission oflight therethrough.

The light scattering effect of the energy/light scattering layer 160 maybe produced in response to illumination generally from ambient light ina vicinity of, and/or impinging on, the surface of the energy/lightscattering layer 162, as modified by the voltages imparted by the pairof transparent electrodes 164,166. Alternatively, the light scatteringeffect of the energy/light scattering layer 162 may be produced inresponse to direct illumination generally produced by the directed lightsource 180 focusing illumination on the surface of the energy/lightscattering layer 162, again as modified by the voltages imparted by the(or each) pair of transparent electrodes 164,166.

In the general configuration shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the exemplaryenergy filter or shutter component 160 is formed over the transparent 3Dbody structure 170 in a manner that allows substantially all of thelight in the transparent first operating mode, or the first determinedwavelengths of light, WLp, in the opaque second operating mode, to passnot only through the exemplary energy filter or shutter component 160,including the energy/light scattering layer 162, but also to passfurther through the transparent 3D body structure 170 in a substantiallyunfiltered manner that allows an area or sensor positioned in, under, orbehind the transparent 3D body structure 170, or behind the energy/lightscattering layer 170 and, for example, embedded in the transparent 3Dbody structure 170, to be illuminated in a manner as thoughsubstantially all the light, or those first determined wavelengths oflight, WLp, may have been otherwise caused to pass unfiltered through aglass, plastic, or other transparent outer covering or protective layer168. In this manner, substantially all the light, or the firstdetermined wavelengths of the light, WLp, passing through the exemplaryenergy filter or shutter component 160, and the transparent 3D bodystructure 170, may provide significant light energy to simply illuminatean area shadowed by the transparent 3D body structure 170, or to beemployed as appropriate by any manner of light detection component,including any light-activated, light-absorbing, light-employing, orotherwise operationally light-involved sensor positioned in or behindall or a portion of the transparent 3D body structure 170.

The exemplary energy filter or shutter component 160 may be provided asa standalone unit as a part of a fixed or movable structural componentincluding, but not limited to, a door, a window, a skylight, a part ofthe wall, a panel in a piece of furniture, or the like. Regardless ofinstallation, an ability to be made selectively transparent, orotherwise selectively opaque (at least in one direction) may presentessentially limitless applications for use. Consider, for example, anability to adapt such an exemplary energy filter or shutter component160 for use in an art museum in which museum artifacts may beselectively exposed for viewing but otherwise hidden for security and/orpreservation purposes. Separately, such an exemplary energy filter orshutter component 160 may be adapted for myriad uses in vehicles.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram 200 of an exemplaryelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component 210 disposedin front of a display surface 225 of a display component 220 foroperatively hiding or exposing the display component 220 in useaccording to this disclosure. In embodiments, the energy filter orshutter component 210 may be installed as a portion of a wall in astructure or a door or panel on a piece of furniture behind which, or inwhich, the display component 220 in a form of, for example, atelevision, another entertainment content display device, or a computerdisplay device, may be housed. Again here, it should be recognized that,although depicted as a substantially unitary structure, the energyfilter or shutter component 210 may comprise myriad individuallydiscrete light scattering layer portions, or individually discreteelectrode portions. In operation, the display component 220 may bedriven by signals from an image source and/or display driver 230. Suchimage source and/or display driver 230 may communicate with the shuttercomponent control and power supply 240 such that when the displaycomponent 220 is driven by the image source and/or display driver 230 todisplay an image, a signal is provided to the shutter componentcontroller and power supply 240 to render the exemplary energy filter orshutter component 210 transparent. Conversely, when a display on thedisplay component 220 is ended and/or removed by the image source and/ordisplay driver 230, a signal may be provided to the shutter componentcontroller and power supply 240 to render the exemplary energy filter orshutter component 210 opaque, thereby hiding the display component 220behind the exemplary energy filter or shutter component 210.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram 300 of an exemplaryelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component 310 disposedin front of a selection of image collection and/or sensor array devicesfor operatively hiding or exposing the devices in use according to thisdisclosure. In embodiments, the energy filter or shutter component 310may be installed as a portion of a wall in a structure or a door orpanel on a piece of furniture behind which, or in which, one or moresensor arrays 320,322 (having respective sensing surfaces 325,327), orone or more active imaging devices 360 (having an image collection lens365), or any combination thereof, may be housed. In operation, thesensor arrays 320,322, and/or the active imaging device 360, may providesignals to an image/data sink 330 (or energy collector in a case inwhich the one or more sensor arrays 320,322 comprise photoelectricgeneration devices). Again here, it should be recognized that, althoughdepicted as a substantially unitary structure, the energy filter orshutter component 310 may comprise myriad individually discrete lightscattering layer portions, or individually discrete electrode portions.The signals may be provided via wired communication between thecomponents or via, for example, some manner of wireless interface 350,or both. Separate signals may be provided between the image/data sink330 and a shutter component control and power supply 340 in order thatthe exemplary shutter component 310 be rendered transparent, or evenmomentarily transparent, during image collection by the imaging device360, or other parameter sensing by the sensor arrays 320,322.Conversely, when the imaging device 360, or the sensor arrays 320,322,are being otherwise operated for passive collection and the lightpassing through an opaqued operating surface for the exemplary energyfilter or shutter component 310 may be acceptable, a signal may beprovided from the image/data sink 330 to the shutter componentcontroller and power supply 340 to render the exemplary energy filter orshutter component 310 opaque, thereby hiding the imaging device 360and/or the sensor arrays 320,322 behind the exemplary energy filter orshutter component 310.

When employing a wireless interface 350, any compatible wireless signalprocessing protocol may be used including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi,WiGig, Bluetooth®, Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)® (also referred to asBluetooth Smart® or Version 4.0+ of the Bluetooth® specification),ZigBee®, or other similar wireless signal processing protocol.

Although depicted as discrete sensor arrays 320,322 for ease ofillustration and understanding, the sensor arrays 320,322 may comprise asubstantially integrated, and/or unitary, array placed behind an entiresurface of the exemplary energy filter or shutter component 310.

In embodiments, any of the above described exemplary energy filter orshutter components 160,210,310 may include other laminated layersincluding, but not limited to protective outer layers over any one ormore of the exposed surfaces (including the electrodes) of the exemplaryshutter components 160,210,310. See, e.g., element 168 in FIGS. 1C and1D. Such laminated protective outer layers may be formed of a glass, aplastic, and/or an other light transparent composition.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary control system 400for controlling at least one of electronic data display andelectrical/electronic/image signal receiving and processing incoordination with operation of an electrically-switchable energy filteror shutter component according to this disclosure. The exemplary controlsystem 400 may provide input to electronic data display devices, orreceive signals from imaging devices or sensor arrays for coordinatedoperation of an electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent that overlies one or more of the electronic data displaydevices, imaging devices or sensor arrays in the manner shown in atleast FIGS. 2 and 3 above.

The exemplary control system 400 may include an operating interface 410by which a user may communicate with the exemplary control system 400.The operating interface 410 may be a locally-accessible user interfaceassociated with, for example, a particular display device image capturedevice. The operating interface 410 may be configured as one or moreconventional mechanism common to control devices and/or computingdevices that may permit a user to input information to the exemplarycontrol system 400. The operating interface 410 may include, forexample, a conventional keyboard, a touchscreen with “soft” buttons orwith various components for use with a compatible stylus, a microphoneby which a user may provide oral commands to the exemplary controlsystem 400 to be “translated” by a voice recognition program, or otherlike device by which a user may communicate specific operatinginstructions to the exemplary control system 400. The operatinginterface 410 may particularly provide the user an opportunity todirectly or indirectly control the operating modes of theelectrically-switchable shutter component in a manual, semi-automated orfully automated manner.

The exemplary control system 400 may include one or more localprocessors 420 for individually operating the exemplary control system400 and for carrying into effect control and operating functions for theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component, and anydisplay devices, image capture devices, or sensor arrays with which theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component may beassociated. Processor(s) 420 may include at least one conventionalprocessor or microprocessor that interpret and execute instructions todirect switching of the electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent between operating modes based on operation of at least one ofthe display device, an image capture device, or a sensor array coveredby the electrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component.

The exemplary control system 400 may include one or more data storagedevices 430. Such data storage device(s) 430 may be used to store dataor operating programs to be used by the exemplary control system 400,and specifically the processor(s) 430. Data storage device(s) 430 may beused to store information regarding, for example, under whatcircumstances and operation of the one or more of the display devices,the image capture device and/or the sensor array, theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component should berendered transparent or opaque.

The data storage device(s) 430 may include a random access memory (RAM)or another type of dynamic storage device that is capable of storingupdatable database information, and for separately storing instructionsfor execution of system operations by, for example, processor(s) 420.Data storage device(s) 430 may also include a read-only memory (ROM),which may include a conventional ROM device or another type of staticstorage device that stores static information and instructions forprocessor(s) 420. Further, the data storage device(s) 430 may beintegral to the exemplary control system 400, or may be providedexternal to, and in wired or wireless communication with, the exemplarycontrol system 400, including as cloud-based data storage components.

The exemplary control system 400 may include at least one dataoutput/display device 440, which may be configured as one or moreconventional mechanism that output information to a user, including, butnot limited to, the display device that is controlled by the exemplarycontrol system 400, the control inputs of which are coordinated by theexemplary control system 400 to match operating modes of theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component.

The exemplary control system 400 may include one or more separateexternal communication interfaces 450 by which the exemplary controlsystem 400 may provide wireless communication by which to communicatewith components external to the exemplary control system 400 including,but not limited to, any associated display device, any associatedimaging device, any associated sensor array, and theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component with whichthe exemplary control system 400 is associated for operation. At leastone of the external communication interfaces 450 may be configured as anoutput port (and power supply) to send signals to the transparentelectrodes of the electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent in response to operating instructions for the energy/lightscattering layer of the electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent to render the energy/light scattering layer correctlytransparent and opaque in the coordination with operation of the systemcomponents. Any suitable data connection to provide wired or wirelesscommunication between the exemplary control system 400 and externaland/or associated components is contemplated to be encompassed by thedepicted external communication interface 450.

The exemplary control system 400 may include an imaging and data signalprocessing and control unit 460. The imaging and data signal processingand control unit 460 may be used to (1) provide imaging inputs and otherdata signals to a display device, (2) receive imaging inputs from animaging device, (3) receive sensor inputs from a sensor array, and (4)in a case in which a sensor array constitutes an array of photovoltaiccells, receive and collect generated electrical energy from the array ofphotovoltaic cells. The imaging and data signal processing and controlunit 460 may operate as a part or a function of the processor 420coupled to one or more of the data storage devices 430, or may operateas a separate stand-alone component module or circuit in the exemplarycontrol system 400. Either of the processor 420 or the imaging and datasignal processing and control unit 460 itself, may be particularlyprogrammed to parse input and output signals and to determine from aconstitution of those signals which motive operation theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component should beoperating in at any given time with respect to operation of the otherassociated devices.

The exemplary control system 400 may include a shutter componentcontroller 470 as a part or a function of the processor 420 coupled toone or more of the data storage devices 430, or as a separatestand-alone component, module or circuit in the exemplary control system400. The shutter component controller 470 may be usable to control thefunctioning of the energy filter or shutter component by determiningappropriate voltages to be sent to one or more of the electrodes toproperly energize, differentially energize, or de-energize one or moreelectrodes to provide proper operation of the electrically-switchableenergy filter or shutter component.

The exemplary control system 400 may include a separate shuttercomponent power supply 480 that, under the control of the shuttercomponent controller 470, may be caused to generate the messagesappropriate to energize, differentially energize, or de-energize one ormore of the electrodes of the electrically-switchable energy filter orshutter component in operation.

All of the various components of the exemplary control system 400, asdepicted in FIG. 4, may be connected internally, and to one or moreexternal components as enumerated above, by one or more data/controlbusses 490. These data/control busses 490 may provide wired or wirelesscommunication between the various components of the exemplary controlsystem 400, whether all of those components are housed integrally in, orare otherwise external and connected to the electrically-switchableshutter component, display devices, imaging devices and/or sensor arrayswith which the exemplary control system 400 may be associated.

It should be appreciated that, although depicted in FIG. 4 as anintegral unit, the various disclosed elements of the exemplary controlsystem 400 may be arranged in any combination of sub-systems asindividual components or combinations of components, integral to asingle unit, or external to, and in wired or wireless communication withthe single unit of the exemplary control system 400. In other words, nospecific configuration as an integral unit or as a support unit isimplied by the depiction in FIG. 4. Further, although depicted asindividual units for ease of understanding of the details provided inthis disclosure regarding the exemplary control system 400, it should beunderstood that the described functions of any of theindividually-depicted components, and particularly each of the depictedcontrol units, may be undertaken, for example, by one or more processors420 connected to, and in communication with, one or more data storagedevice(s) 430.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate exemplary depictions of energy/light scatteringsurface layers in operatively opaque condition in anelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component according tothis disclosure viewed in plan form from a viewing, observation orenergy/light-incident side. As shown in FIG. 5A, the exemplaryembodiment 500 includes an energy/light scattering surface layer that isformed to be energized by an electric field or by the electrodes of theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component to scatter asame wavelength of light, WLs, across an entire light scattering surfacelayer thus producing a single visible color 510. As shown in FIG. 5B,the exemplary embodiment 530 includes an energy/light scattering surfacelayer that is formed to be energized by the electrodes of theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component, or to bedifferentially energized by discrete combinations of electrodes of theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component, so as toscatter a first wavelength of light, WLs₁, as a background color 540,and a plurality of second wavelengths of light, WLs_(n), as othercolor/texture portions 545. The plurality of second wavelengths oflight, WLs_(n), producing color/texture portions 545 may be formed inthe energy/light scattering surface layer and configured to scatter oneor more second determined wavelengths of light, WLs_(n), only withindetermined areas of the energy/light scattering surface layer to thusproduce some manner of a multi-color and/or textured appearance in thelight scattering surface layer. As shown in FIG. 5C, the exemplaryembodiment 550 includes an energy/light scattering surface layer that isformed to be energized by the electrodes of the electrically-switchableenergy filter or shutter component, or to be differentially energized bydiscrete combinations of electrodes of the electrically-switchableenergy filter or shutter component, so as to scatter a first wavelengthof light, WLs₁, as a first background color 560, a second (or more)wavelengths of light, WLs₂, as second intermediate background color(s)565, and a plurality of third wavelengths of light, WLs_(n), ascolor/texture/image portions 570. The plurality of third wavelengths oflight, WLs_(n), as the color/texture/image portions 570 may be formed inthe energy/light scattering surface layer and configured to scatter oneor more third determined wavelengths of light, WLs_(n), withindetermined areas of the energy/light scattering surface layer to thusproduce some manner of a multi-color, multi-texture and/or image-wiseappearance in the light scattering surface layer.

In all of the embodiments described above, it should be appreciated thatthe various energy/light scattering layers may be formed in a manner toallow the first determined wavelengths of light, WLp, to pass throughthe energy/light scattering layers as selected wavelengths in a visible,near-visible or non-visible range, and to allow the second determinedwavelengths of light, WLs_((x)), to be scattered as selected wavelengthsprimarily in the visible range. See generally FIG. 1D.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a detail of anenergy/light scattering layer 600 usable in an electrically-switchableenergy filter or shutter component according to this disclosure. Thedisclosed schemes, processes, techniques or methods may employ anenergy/light scattering layer 600 created usingsubstantially-transparent micrometer or sub-micrometer spheres that maybe in a form of nano-particles, including metal nano-particles 620,embedded in a substantially-transparent matrix 610, which may beconstituted as a dielectric matrix. As an example, the metalnano-particles 620 may include barium titanate (BaTiO₄) or strontiumtitanate (SrTiO₄) nano-particles. Further, the energy/light scatteringlayer 600 may include random or patterned voids 630 in the energy/lightscattering layer 600, or through the energy/light scattering layer 600.In embodiments, patterned voids 630, such as those shown in FIG. 6, mayreduce or substantially eliminate any need to otherwise filter lightimpinging on a camera lens or other imaging device sensor.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary detail of amulti-layer individual micrometer or sub-micrometer sphere 700 usable inan energy/light scattering layer as a portion of anelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component according tothis disclosure. The substantially-transparent particles of thedisclosed embodiments may be of layered construction as shown. Eachlayer 710-750 may exhibit a different index of refraction and differentrate of change of index of refraction in response to an applied electricfield that is formed by the voltage potential applied to the electrodes.The number of layers may be varied over a range required by a particularapplication and/or use case. This allows for additional degrees offreedom in adjusting the color, transmission and scattering, i.e., in“tuning” the light scattering effects produced by the composition of theenergy/light scattering layer, and the manner by which the individualparticles respond to an applied electric field or to the electricvoltage applied between the electrodes.

Colors of composites containing noble metal inclusions may be tunedbased on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for the composites in themetallic phase. Light scattering layers comprising films with wellseparated embedded metallic nano-particles, in dimensions significantlysmaller than the wavelengths of the exciting light, may be characterizedby a peak in the visible range of the absorption spectra. The bandwidth,intensity and possession of a maximum effect may depend on thecomposition of the surrounding dielectric matrix, and the size,distribution and shape of the metallic nano-particles. An ability tocontrol these physical properties of substantially-transparentconstituent components allows tuning of the optical properties of acomposite material from which the light scattering layer may be formed.This tuning of the optical properties of the composite material mayinclude one or more of (1) changing a refractive index of the matrix(NH) and (2) modifying the morphology and distribution of the metallicinclusions, thereby changing an aspect ratio of the metallicnano-particles. By applying a combination of plasmon resonance, andscattering of light by particles, the appearance of the color of anobject having a light scattering surface layer comprised ofsubstantially-transparent micrometer or sub-micrometer spheres,including components of the above-described exemplary nano-particles,can be directly and precisely controlled.

The electric field, including from the potential on the pair of opposingelectrodes, is usable to change the index of refraction and dielectricconstant of the binder around the metal particles. This will change theplasmonic resonant frequency of the nano-structure, which furtherincreases the variability and precision with which the energy/lightscattering layer can be tuned, thus substantially enhancing the utilityof the disclosed electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent.

Final optical properties, or characteristics, of the energy/lightscattering layer may be controlled and/or determined using a scatteringtheory. An example of such a scattering theory is the Mie Theory or theMie Solution to Maxwell's Equations, which describes the scattering ofan electromagnetic plane wave by a homogeneous sphere. The Mie Solutiontakes the form of an infinite series of spherical multipole partialwaves. See generally Stratton, J. A., Electromagnetic Theory,McGraw-Hill (1941).

In embodiments, an apparent color or colors of the energy/lightscattering layer may be created using the substantially-transparentmicrometer or sub-micrometer spheres. One or more orders of multi layersmay be formed by evaporating water from, for example, polystyrene latexsuspensions, which may contain monodisperse spherical particles of adiameter smaller than the wavelength of visible light. See, e.g.,Dushkin et al., “Colored Multilayers from TransparentSubmicrometer-Spheres,” Protein Array Project, ERATO, JRDC, 5-9-1Tokodai, Tsukuba, 300-26, Japan (May 28, 1993). The color andtransmission properties of the energy/light scattering layer in theelectrically-switchable energy filter or shutter component can bechanged and/or adjusted through an application of the methods potentialto the pair of opposing electrodes thereby forming an electric fieldbetween the electrodes. This electric field interacts with thesubstantially transparent micrometer or sub-micrometer particles and thebinder matrix within which the micrometer or sub-micrometer particlesare fixed.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-1D above, it should be understood that anarea of interest may be defined according to a supporting structurecomposed of substantially any material that will support at least theenergy/light scattering layer or the first electrode layer. The bodystructure 120,170 described with reference to FIGS. 1A-1D is defined assubstantially transparent because it is intended for the wavelengths ofenergy/light passing through the exemplary energy filter or shuttercomponent to continue through the substantially transparent bodystructure to illuminate an underlying area or to activate a lightscollecting component device located in the shadow of the body structure.

There will be, however, examples in which an underlying body structureis not transparent as in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 above.Consider an example in which an underlying area of interest could be anLCD display that needs to be hidden from view until operated. Such anLCD display that would constitute an area of interest that is not, ofitself, light transmissive. In other words, there may be use cases andapplications in which the opaque shuttering effect may be limited, orotherwise modified, by an existence of an underlying structure.

In embodiments, a conductive layer such as, for example, graphene may bedeposited in a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) toproduce an atomically-thin layer. Binder matrix and particle layers maybe applied concurrently or sequentially according to inherent materialprocessing limitations. Techniques for applying these layers may includeseparate plasma-assisted CVD, sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD),ionic self-assisted monolayer deposition and other such methods. Anotherconductive layer may then be applied in any of the disclosed manners toachieve the electrically-switchable shutter component structure.Protective layers may be separately applied according to the laminatingmethods, processes and techniques.

Care is taken in the application of the electrodes and the subsequentapplication of voltage is easily and reliably achieved, except incircumstances it is intended that the voltage be induced through meansother than direct contact of the electrodes with the components of thelight scattering layer, substantially in the manner depicted anddescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which do not includetransparent electrodes as part of the switchable structure.

The disclosed embodiments may include methods for preparation andemployment of an electrically-switchable energy filter or shuttercomponent. FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of such an exemplary method.As shown in FIG. 8, operation of the method commences at Step S8000 andproceeds to Step S8100.

In Step S8100, at least one first transparent laminate electrode may bedeposited on a surface as a unitary structure or in discrete andindependently energizable portions. Operation of the method proceeds toStep S8200.

In Step S8200, a plurality of substantially transparent micrometer orsub-micrometer spheres of electrically-activated layer forming materialmay be sequentially deposited with, or mixed in with, a substantiallytransparent matrix material on the first transparent laminate electrodeas a substantially uniform mixture, or otherwise in discrete mixturesections. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S8300.

In Step S8300, a second transparent laminate electrode may be depositedon the mixture of the plurality of substantially transparent micrometeror sub-micrometer spheres and the substantially transparent matrixmaterial as a unitary structure in discrete and independentlyenergizable portions to form an electrically-activated energy filter orshutter component. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S8400.

In Step S8400, the protective layer may be provided on at least one ofthe facing surfaces of the electrically-activated energy filter orshutter component. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S8500.

In Step S8500, the formed electrically-activated energy filter orshutter component may be positioned as a structural member of an object,as a display component of a signage, as a visually-changeable wall plateor as a facing structure of one of the display component or one or moreimage collectors/sensor elements. Operation of the method proceeds toStep S8600.

In Step S8600, the electrically-activated energy filter or shuttercomponent may be operated according to a first mode in which theelectrically-activated energy filter or shutter component presents asubstantially transparent appearance across an entire surface or indiscrete portions when viewed from an energy/light incident side.Operation the method proceeds to Step S8700.

In Step S8700, the electrically-activated energy filter or shuttercomponent may be operated according to a second mode in which theelectrically-activated energy filter or shutter component presents asubstantially opaque appearance in a single color, multi-color,texturized or image-wise presentation across an entire surface or indiscrete portions when viewed from an energy/light incident side.Operation of the method proceeds to Step S8800.

In Step S8800, switching of the electrically-activated energy filter orshutter component between the first mode and the second mode may becoordinated according to one of image data displayed on an image displaydevice, and sensor data collection from image collectors/sensor elementspositioned on a side opposite the energy/light incident side withrespect to the electrically-activated energy filter or shuttercomponent. Operation of the method proceeds to Step S8900, whereoperation of the method ceases.

The disclosed embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readablemedium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, maycause the processor to execute all, or at least some, of the steps ofthe method outlined above, particularly with regard to the coordinatedcontrol of the electrically-activated shutter component.

As is described in some detail above, the systems and methods accordingto this disclosure may be directed at forming common objects in a uniquemanner out of electrically-switchable substantially-transparentcomponent materials to have particular energy/light scatteringcharacteristics that cause the combination of substantially-transparentcomponent materials to appear, for example, opaque when exposed toincident energy with wavelengths in the visual light spectrum, and asmay be modified by applied electric fields. FIG. 9 illustrates aschematic diagram of an exemplary wall plate 900 that incorporates atleast discrete portions formed of electrically-switchable energy filtersor shutter components including energy/light scattering layers accordingto this disclosure. Such a wall plate 900 may be usable in a typicalresidential and/or commercial configuration having a wall plate surface910 with openings 920,922,924 to accommodate one or more of amechanically-movable switch and/or receptacle components as may betypically found in an underlying gang box.

In embodiments, the wall plate surface 910 may be an example of a solidobject body structure formed entirely of an energy filter or shuttercomponent including an energy/light scattering layer according to theabove description. In separate embodiments, the wall plate surface 910may be formed substantially of a conventional material in a specifiedcolor, while accommodating within its plan form certain discreteportions 930,932,934 formed of one or more energy filter or shuttercomponents including energy/light scattering layers. In eitherconstruct, the energy filters or shutter components includingenergy/light scattering layers of the exemplary wall plate 900 may covertypical electrical switches, outlets and other residential andcommercial installations. In embodiments, underlying switch boxes and/oroutlet boxes may be configured to include energy- and/or light-activatedsensors, devices, power generation components or the like. Provision ofa wall plate 900 according to the disclosed embodiments may facilitateenergy transmission through the wall plate 900, either entirely or indiscrete portions while maintaining an opaque appearance, to theunderlying sensors, devices or components. In embodiments, suchunderlying sensors, devices or components maybe affixed to the box side(non-light-incident side) of the wall plate 900, or may be otherwiseaffixed to one or more of the underlying components or to sides of thegang box itself. It should be appreciated that no particular limitingconfiguration of the disclosed wall plate 900 is intended to be impliedby the exemplary depiction in FIG. 9.

In embodiments, the wall plate 900 may not be moded to switch back andforth between a transparent presentation and an opaque presentation, butrather maybe moded to switch between a first opaque presentation in afirst (de-energized) mode of operation, and a second opaque presentationin a second (energized) mode of operation. For example, the wall plate900 may have discrete portions that “light up” or otherwise display aparticular message when energized.

The above-described exemplary systems and methods reference certainconventional components, sensors materials, and real-world use cases toprovide a brief, general description of suitable operating, productprocessing, energy/light scattering layer component forming andelectrically-activated shutter component operations by which the subjectmatter of this disclosure may be implemented for familiarity and ease ofunderstanding. Although not required, embodiments of the disclosure maybe provided, at least in part, in a form of hardware circuits, firmware,or software computer-executable instructions to control or carry out thespecific energy/light scattering layer forming andelectrically-activated energy filtering or shuttering functionsdescribed. These may include individual program modules executed byprocessors.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter may be practiced in many disparate filmforming, layer forming, laminate layer forming, shutter componentforming, wall plate forming, and/or shutter component operating systemsand/or devices of many different configurations.

As indicated above, embodiments within the scope of this disclosure mayinclude computer-readable media having stored computer-executableinstructions or data structures that can be accessed, read and executedby one or more processors for controlling the disclosed energy filter orshutter component forming and shutter component operating schemes. Suchcomputer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a processor, general purpose or special purpose computer. By way ofexample, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can compriseRAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash drives, data memory cards or otheranalog or digital data storage device that can be used to carry or storedesired program elements or steps in the form of accessiblecomputer-executable instructions or data structures for carrying intoeffect, for example, any molding or manufacturing technique including,for example, computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided manufacturing(CAM) of particular objects, object structures, layers, layer componentsand/or wall plates (as a particular example of a real-world use case).

Computer-executable instructions include, for example, non-transitoryinstructions and data that can be executed and accessed respectively tocause a processor to perform certain of the above-specified functions,individually or in various combinations. Computer-executableinstructions may also include program modules that are remotely storedfor access and execution by a processor.

The exemplary depicted sequence of executable instructions or associateddata structures for carrying into effect those executable instructionsrepresent one example of a corresponding sequence of acts forimplementing the functions described in the steps of the above-outlinedexemplary method. The exemplary depicted steps may be executed in anyreasonable order to carry into effect the objectives of the disclosedembodiments. No particular order to the disclosed steps of the methodsis necessarily implied by the depiction in FIG. 8, except where aparticular method step is a necessary precondition to execution of anyother method step.

Although the above description may contain specific details, they shouldnot be construed as limiting the claims in any way. Other configurationsof the described embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods arepart of the scope of this disclosure.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different systems or applications. Also,various alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements thereinmay be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are alsointended to be encompassed by the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An object body structure, comprising: a structural bodymember with an energy-incident face including at least first portionsand second portions; and an energy scattering layer formed over the atleast the first portions of the energy-incident face of the structuralbody member, the energy scattering layer having an energy-incidentsurface and a body side surface opposite the energy-incident surface,the energy scattering layer comprising: a plurality ofsubstantially-transparent particles; and a substantially-transparentmatrix material that fixes the particles in a layer arrangement to formthe energy scattering layer, the particles being fixed in the matrixmaterial in a manner that causes the energy scattering layer to have afirst refractive index in a first mode, and a second refractive indexdifferent from the first refractive index in a second mode whensubjected to effects from an applied electrical field; at least onetransparent electrode positioned adjacent to one of the energy-incidentsurface or the opposite surface of the energy scattering layer; and apower source that generates the applied electrical field via the atleast one transparent electrode, refractive indices of at least some ofthe plurality of particles being modified by the applied electricalfield to modify an appearance of the energy scattering layer between thefirst refractive index in the first mode and the second refractive indexin the second mode.
 2. The object body structure of claim 1, furthercomprising a controller for controlling the power source, the controllerbeing configured to receive a control input from one of anelectrically-activated component or an electronic device with which theobject body structure is associated, the controller commanding the powersource to generate the electrical field to switch the layer arrangementbetween the first mode and the second mode according to the controlinput.
 3. The object body structure of claim 2, the first refractiveindex in the first mode rendering the energy scattering layertransparent over the at least the first portions of the energy-incidentface of the structural body member, and the second refractive index inthe second mode causing at least portions of the energy-incident surfaceof the energy scattering layer to present an opaque appearance inresponse to incident energy in the form of light energy in the visualrange over the at least the first portions of the energy-incident faceof the structural body member.
 4. The object body structure of claim 3,the second refractive index in the second mode being adjusted accordingto (1) the applied electrical field, (2) the refractive indices of theal least some of the particles, and (3) one or more of a size of theparticles, a material from which the particles are formed, a structuralcomposition of the particles including a multi-layered structure inwhich each of a plurality of layers displays a different index ofrefraction and a composition of the matrix material.
 5. The object bodystructure of claim 4, the at least one transparent electrode beingformed to have a plurality of discrete electrode portions for inducing aplurality of separate electrical fields acting on the energy scatteringlayer, discrete portions of the energy scattering layer exhibitingdifferent responses in the second mode.
 6. The object body structure ofclaim 5, the discrete portions of the at least one transparent electrodecomprising a pattern formed by one or more of (1) valleys formed in and(2) protrusions formed on the energy-scattering layer facing side of theat least one transparent electrode, the different responses causing thepattern to appear in the energy-incident surface of the energyscattering layer in the second mode.
 7. The object body structure ofclaim 1, the energy scattering layer in the second mode reflecting asame wavelength of the incident light from the energy-incident surfacein a manner that causes the energy-incident surface to cause the firstportions of the structural member to appear as single-color opaquesurface portions.
 8. The object body structure of claim 1, the energyscattering layer in the second mode reflecting a first wavelength of theincident light from first discrete portions of the energy-incidentsurface and at least one second wavelength of the incident light fromone or more second discrete portions of the energy-incident surface in amanner that causes the first portions of the structural member to appearas at least one of multi-color or texturized opaque surface portions. 9.The object body structure of claim 1, the energy scattering layer beingformed additionally over the at least the second portions of theenergy-incident face of the structural body member.
 10. The object bodystructure of claim 1, the structural body member being a transparentstructural body member.
 11. The object body structure of claim 1, atleast one transparent electrode being positioned in contact with the oneof the energy-incident surface or the opposite surface of the energyscattering layer.
 12. A method for filtering energy through a structure,comprising: providing a structural body member with an energy-incidentface including at least first portions and second portions, the at leastthe first portions being transparent; and forming an energy scatteringlayer over the at least the first portions of the energy-incident faceof the structural body member, the energy scattering layer having anenergy-incident surface and a body side surface opposite theenergy-incident surface, the energy scattering layer comprising: aplurality of substantially-transparent particles; and asubstantially-transparent matrix material that fixes the particles in alayer arrangement to form the energy scattering layer, fixing theparticles in the matrix material in a manner that causes the layerarrangement to have a first refractive index in a first mode, and asecond refractive index different from the first refractive index in asecond mode when subjected to effects from an applied electrical field;positioning at least one transparent electrode adjacent to one of theenergy-incident surface and the body side surface of the energyscattering layer; connecting the at least one transparent electrode to apower source that is controlled to induce the applied electrical fieldin the energy scattering layer; and controlling, with a controller, thepower source to switch the energy scattering layer between the firstmode and the second mode, refractive indices of at least some of theplurality of particles being modified by the applied electrical field tomodify an appearance of the energy scattering layer between the firstrefractive index in the first mode and the second refractive index inthe second mode.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprisingreceiving, with the controller, a control input from one of anelectrically-activated component or an electronic device with which theobject body structure is associated, the controller commanding the powersource to generate the applied electrical field to switch the layerarrangement between the first mode and the second mode according to thecontrol input.
 14. The method of claim 13, the first refractive index inthe first mode rendering the energy scattering layer transparent overthe at least the first portions of the energy-incident face of thestructural body member, and the second refractive index in the secondmode causing at least portions of the energy-incident surface of theenergy scattering layer to present an opaque appearance in response toincident energy in the form of light energy in the visual range over theat least the first portions of the energy-incident face of thestructural body member.
 15. The method of claim 14, the secondrefractive index in the second mode being adjusted according to (1) theapplied electrical field, (2) the refractive indices of the al leastsome of the particles, and (3) one or more of a size of the particles, amaterial from which the particles are formed, a structural compositionof the particles including a multi-layered structure in which each of aplurality of layers displays a different index of refraction and acomposition of the matrix material.
 16. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising forming the at least one transparent electrode to have aplurality of discrete electrode portions for inducing a plurality ofseparate electrical fields acting on the energy scattering layer,discrete portions of the energy scattering layer exhibiting differentresponses to the plurality of separate electrical fields in the secondmode.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising patterning thediscrete portions of the at least one transparent electrode comprisingforming one or more of (1) valleys in and (2) protrusions on the energyscattering layer facing side of the at least one transparent electrode,the different responses causing the pattern to appear in theenergy-incident surface of the energy scattering layer in the secondmode.
 18. The method of claim 12, further comprising causing the energyscattering layer in the second mode to reflect a same wavelength of theincident light from the energy-incident surface in a manner that causesthe energy-incident surface to cause the first portions of thestructural member to appear as single-color opaque surface portions. 19.The method of claim 12, further comprising causing the energy scatteringlayer in the second mode to reflect a first wavelength of the incidentlight from first discrete portions of the energy-incident surface and atleast one second wavelength of the incident light from one or moresecond discrete portions of the energy-incident surface in a manner thatcauses the first portions of the structural member to appear as at leastone of multi-color or texturized opaque surface portions.
 20. The methodof claim 12, further comprising forming the energy scattering layeradditionally over the at least the second portions of theenergy-incident face of the structural body member.